Thursday, December 2, 2010

Teguise (and some surprise flags)


I took a trip through the history of this island today: a trip to Teguise, an old town that dates back to the times before colonialization, the first settlers of Lanzarote probably were Arab "Berber" groups who sailed to the islands from North Africa. In the 13th century, the island was reached through Lancelotto Malocello from Genua, and named after him. Later it was claimed by the Kastilien King, and Teguise turned into the capital city, thriving on slave trade – one of the hubs of colonialization.

In the last century, Teguise turned from capital to historic showcase town. In the centre of it, a huge church: "Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe". Why Guadalupe? I didn't find the answer to that riddle.

Around the church, strings of old streets filled with galleries and cafés Most galleries offer local / regional art, but in between them, a suprise: a Buddhist place, with prayer flags on top of the door. "Next container expected December," a sign on the door announces. A street further down, another flag, a reminder of the closeness to Africa, and the ongoing conflicts there: "Sahara Libre".

*
Three more days on the island. Back home, it's deep winter now: snow and more snow falling, airports closed temporarily. Still a part of me starts to long for home, while another part would like to stay here
another week, read some historic books about the place, about the life during the vulcanoe eruptions in the 17th century, about the people who arrived here, and went away again.

& thanks for the comments! i look forward to having a proper web connection in the snow. but somehow it fits, that this far-off island is slower in connection.

2 comments:

susan said...

Absolutely awesome photos, Dorothee--The crisp colors are just beautiful.

Rose Hunter said...

There's a church of our Lady of Guadalupe everywhere in Mexico - she is Mexico's most famous lady. (Image of the virgin Mary.) There's a famous one in Spain too, which is where this tradition comes from, in Mexico's case, crossed with indigenous imagery.

Lovely pics! :)

I will have to read more about this place. I know nothing about it.